By mary c



R. G. INWODD. DECO.

m. c. mwooo. AummsTRATmx.

BOX AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-2'19. Relssued Mar. 22, 1921.

an ue n Ito's UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD G. INWOOD, DECEASED, LATE OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, BY MARY C.

INWOOD, ADMINISTRATBIX, OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF TO DANIEL P. MURPHY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

BOX AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME.

Specification of Reissued Letters Patent. iieiggn d n 22 11,21

Original No. 1,252,120, dated January 1, 1918, Serial No. 873,168, filed November 20, 1914. Application for reissue filed August 2, 1919. Serial No. 315,031.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that RICHARD G. I'NWOOD, deceased, late a citizen of the United States, and a resident of South Bend, county of St. Joseph, and State of Indiana, has invented an Improvement in Boxes and Methods of Making the Same, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to boxes and to a method of making the same. Among other objects it aims to provide a box which is simple and light in construction, cheap to manufacture and easy to handle without injury thereto.

The character of the invention may be best understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an illustrative box shown herein as embodying the invention; and

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of said box.

Referring to the drawing. the illustrative box shown therein as embodying the invention comprises opposed ends 1 and side material 3 wrapped about said ends. This material should be sutliciently thin to permit the same to be readily flexed about said ends. In some cases. to facilitate the flexing of the material. it may be scored or grooved on one surface thereof by passing the same between upper and lower rolls. one being smooth and the other fluted.

To reinforce the material it is provided with cleats 5 of wood or other appropriate material and each preferably of a length substantially the same as the length of the side material. To enable the cleats to be flexed with the side material. V-shaped in cisions 7 or other appropriate notches are made in the cleats transversely to the length thereof and extending partially therethrough. Preferably these notches extend to within a short distance of the back of the cleat leaving a continuous rib thereat,thereby maintaining the integrity of the cleat. As shown herein, the cleats are each provided with a series of such notches spaced equal distances apart. As a result, when the cleat 1s flexed sufficiently to close the notches or cause the opposed walls of each notch to engage one another a. substantially circular form is produced.

To further strengthen the box binding wlres or equivalent elements 9 are provided, extending the length of the material and preferably somewhat beyond the same to provide ends which may be twisted or otherwlse connected, as more fully hereinafter described. These binding wires may be secured to the material by stitching or by driving staples 11 straddling the wires through the material into the cleats.

The ends of the box are substantially circular so that when the blank or unit includng the material. cleats and binding Wires, is wrapped about the ends, a box is provided which is substantially cylindrical in form. Preferably the ends of the box are set within the cleats, thereby preventing outward displacement of the ends. To revent inward displacement of the ends they may be nailed or otherwise secured to the side material or cleats. Herein the ends are shown as reinforced by straight cleats 13 extending diametrically across the same transversely to the length of the grain in the wood. These cleats preferably are made somewhat shorter than the diameters of the ends so that they may fit within the circular cleats of the side material. and have their ends come into abutting engagement therewith.

The straight cleats of the ends may be utilized in securing the latter to the side material by driving screws or nails 15 through the side cleats and into the ends of said straight cleats. Thus. when it is desired to remove the ends it is merely necessary to withdraw said screws or nails.

To permit access to the interior of the box-a portion of the blank may be utilized to constitute a cover IT. This cover may vary in size according to the use to which the box is to be applied. As shown herein. a cover is provided somewhat less in length than an arc of 180 The cover may be formed by cutting or otherwise separating from the unit the length required. Thus the cover would be constructed Similarly to the curved side of the box and would comprise sheet material. notched cleats. and binding wires stapled or otherwise secured thereto.

To provide a hing-ml connection of the cover with the ide ot' the box the binding wire terminals at one end of the cover may be interlinked or otherwise connected with binding wire terminals of the side. The cover may be locked or fastened in closed position by twisting together other binding wire erminals of the side and cover.

In curving the side material into box form it tends to concave or bulge inward intermediate the cleats at the ends of the box. This is advantageous in rolling the box along the floor since the portions of the side material intermediate said ends are spaced trom the floor and the burden of supporting the box is localized to the cleats which are better able to sustain it.

\Vhile the box as shown herein is provided with ends these need not be employed in all. cases since. the internal cleats may serve to engage the contents of the box and hold the same therein. Furthermore, the ends are not essential to vause the blank to assume a cylindrical Form when folded since the curve of the cleats is limited and determined by the closing: of the IlOt'CllPs when the cleat is flexed. The wedge shaped sections between notches will act on the principle of the arch to prevent collapsing of the box.

The, box blank may be very readily folder into box form. It the. ends are employer the blank is wrapped about the ends and th, binding wire terminals are twisted togethe" to retain the blank in shape.

The box may be very quickly knocked down by severing" the wires adjacent the twists therein. opening the blank and removing: the ends therefrom. Then the blank may be spread out i'lat and the ends superposed thereon. thereby providing a mmpact packap'e occupying; very little space in storage or shipment. The facility with which the box may be assembled is an ad- -cantageous feature since it enables the box to be shipped to the user in knock-down form. it being a simple matter for him to assemble parts into box form as above described.

While the cover is shown herein as separate from the body of the box it will be understood that the portion of the blank constituting the cover may be a continuation of the blank forming the side of the box if desired.

The box described is extremely light and strong. requiring little material and labor in making the same. It also may be very easily handled. lts circular shape permits the same to be readily rolled without jar or injury to the box or its contents. In its general form the box is similar to a barrel and would be classified in freight tariff schedules as such. Since the freight rates on barrels are less than on boxes. there would thus be a saving in shipping.

llaving described one illustrative embodiment of the invention and a method of making the same without limiting the invention thereto, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A Wire-bound box comprising ends having rounded edges; and a. side unit wrapped about said ends comprising side material, reinforcin; cleats therefor having a series of notches therein extending trans versely to the length thereof permitting the flexing of said cleats to conform to the rounded contour of said ends. said cleats supporting said ends. and binding wires for said unit.

2. A box comprisingends having rounded edges, and a side unit wrapped about said ends comprising side material. strengthening cleats therefor transversely notched to permit flexion thereof into rounded form. said cleats supporting said ends. binding wires. and means to se ure said binding; wires thereto: a portion of said unit having provision permitting; the opening thereof ticonstitute a cover for the box.

3. box comprising rounded ends: and iblank adapted to be Wrapped about said ends comprising side material. reintorcim ('lEtllS tor said material having provision permitting tlexion thereof into rounded form. binding wires. and means to secure said wires to said material: a. portion oi said blank being formed to provide a rounded cover for the box.

4. A box comprising rounded ends: side material: reinforcing cleats for said mate rial having, provision permitting {lemon thereof into rounded Form. said cleats sup porting said ends. cleats extending trans versely across said ends and secured thereto. and means tor securing said end cleats to the cleats for said side material.

5. An improvement in the art of makins: boxes characterized by formingcuts transversely in and partially tllIOl'lQ'll cleats; as sembling said cleats with side matenial: applying and securing binding: wires thereto; applying ends having: rounded edges adjacent said cleats. and wrapping said parts as a unit about said ends.

6. A. box comprising rounded ends. side members rounded to correspond with sail lll) ends, separate interior cleats therefor having provision whereby they may assume an arc shape, Wires secured to said members and disposed for joinder to form box-embracing binders.

7. A box comprising rounded ends, a rounded side wall opening along one oi the elements of the all and internal reinforcing ribs of substantial depth for said wall having acute angled notches therein to permit the same to open outwardly under compressive stress.

8. A box comprising a rounded wall embodying in its construction side material and supporting cleats therefor, said cleats having acute angled notches to provide segmental blocks fitting together to form arches and bindings encircling the box adjacent the cleats and retaining said arches in form.

9. A box comprising a rounded wall embodying in its construction side material and supporting cleats therefor, said cleats comprising substantially trapezoidal blocks fitting together with their inclined faces in contact to form arches; and a back portion connecting said blocks and forming hinges between the longer sides thereof of substantially the same transverse extent as the blocks themselves and bindings encircling the box adjacent the cleats and retaining said arches in form.

10. An improvement in the art of making boxes characterized by forming cleats with a series of spaced notches therein for permitting bending thereof into rounded shape 1 assembling side material with such cleats; applying and securing binding wires thereto; applying ends having rounded edges adjacent said cleats and folding said iarts as a unit into rounded form about said ends.

11. An improvement in the art of making boxes characterized by forming a series of spaced notches in cleats; assembling side material with such cleats; securing binding wires to said material; separating a portion of the blank thus formed from the body of the blank to form a core and curving the parts of the blank to form a box having rounded sides.

12. .in improvement in the art of n1aking boxes characterized by forming a series of spaced notches in cleats: assembling side material with such cleats; securing binding wires to said material; separating a portion of theblank thus formed from the body of the blank to form a cover; curving the parts of the blank to form a rounded box; and connecting the terminals of the binding wires for the body and the cover.

13. A set of box parts comprising ends having rounded edges, side material to en wrap said ends, cleats secured to said side material of substantial depth and notched to define curves corresponding to the rounded cured to said cleats.

15. A box having a rounded Wall and embodying in its construction side material and supporting cleats therefor, the cleats .where supporting said wall-being notched to provide segmental blocks fitting together to form an arch, and. bindings encircling the box adjacent the cleats and retaining said arch in form.

16. A box comprising side material and interior supporting ribs or frames, said box having a rounded wall, the ribs supporting said wall comprising blocks fitting together as an arch and held in alinement by integral portions thereof and bindings retaining the arches in form.

1?. A box comprising side material and interior supporting ribs or frames. said box having a rounded wall, the ribs supporting said wall comprising substantially trapezoidal blocks adapted to fit together to form an arch and a back portion connecting said blocks and forming hinges between the longer sides thereof of substantially the same transverse extent as the blocks themselves, and bindings retaining the arches in form.

18. A box comprising end pieces having rounded edges, :1 side wall arranged to encompass said end pieces, and interior supporting ribs for said wall of substantial depth and formed to resist inward distortion and permit outward folding.

19. A box comprising end pieces having rounded edges, a foldable side wall arranged to encompass said end pieces and foldable substantially continuous, interior supporting ribs for said wall of substantial depth engaging said end pieces.

20. A box of curvilinear section comprising a side wall embodying in its construction side material of normally flat sheet form and normally straight supporting cleats therefor disposed adjacent the ends of the box and having provision for a limited flexibility to permit the same to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the box. binding wire encompassing the box adjacent said cleats and secured to the side material and cleats. said box when folded to form being of a circumference between its ends less than at its ends.

2i. A box of curvilinear section comprising a side wall embodying in its construction side material of normally flat sheet form and normally straight supporting &

cleats therefor disposed adjacent the ends of the box and having provision for a limited flexibility to permit the same to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the box, binding wire encompassing the box adjacent said cleats and secured to the side material and cleats, said box when folded to form being of a circumference between its ends less than at its ends, and a binding wire secured to the side material between the ends of the box.

A container having a rounded Wall comprising side material and supporting cleats therefor, said cleats providing segmental blocks fitting together to form arches and bindings retaining said arches in form.

23. A container having a rounded wall embodying in its construction side material; and supporting cleats therefor extending along said side material and having portions arranged for mutual support under compressive stress and bindings for retaining the parts in form.

24. A container. comprising in combination. side material adapted to be bent into rounded form, cleats secured to said side material and adapted to define and support bends in said side material.

25. A container embodying in its construction side material adapted to be bent into rounded form, and interior supporting cleats extending along said side material, also adapted to be bent into rounded form corresponding to the bend of the side material, and having portions arranged for mutual support under compressive stress, and bindings for retaining the parts in form.

26. A container having a. rounded Wall comprising in combination, side material having cleats secured thereto and forming supporting ribs therefor and encircling binders retaining the parts in form,

27. A container blank comprising side material adapted to be bent into rounded form; cleats secured to said side material and adapted to bend therewith and define the rounded contour of said side material when the blank is folded into container form, and binding means secured thereto to hold the blank in container form when folded.

28. A package comprising side material adapted to be bent into rounded form, sup porting ribs therefor adapted to be folded into corresponding form and in such form to resist inward distortion. said ribs composed of parts adapted to abut and mutually support one another against compressive stress, and bindings adapted to be tensioned by such folding and to retain the parts in rounded package form.

29. A metal bound package of rounded form, comprising a Wall of thin side material, and encircling flexible binding, and reinforcing cleats cooperating to form a trussed supporting frame adapted to resist inward distortion of the package and retained in such formation by the binding.

30. A box comprising ends having rounded edges; a side wall arranged to encompass said ends, and supporting ribs for said wall so formed as to resist inward distortion and permit outward folding.

31. A container having a rounded wall comprising side material and supporting cleats therefor, said cleats being constructed and arranged to resist compressive stress; and bindings encircling the parts and retaining them in container form.

32. A container having a rounded wall comprising side material and supporting cleats secured thereto, said cleats being constructed and arranged to resist con'ipressive stress; and bindings encircling the parts and retaining them in container form.

33. A container having a rounded wall comprising side material and supporting cleats secured thereto, said cleats being constructed and arranged to resist compressive stress; and bindings secured to the container and rot ining the parts in form.

34. r container having a rounded wall comprising side material and supporting cleats secured thereto, said cleats being constructed and arranged to resist compressive stress; and bindings secured to cleats and retaining the parts in container form.

35. A container having a rounded wall comprising side material and supporting cleats secured thereto, said cleats being constructed and arranged to resist compressive stress; and bindings secured to cleats and side material and retaining the parts in container form.

A container blank comprising side material and cleats adapted to be folded into rounded form, said cleats being constructed and arranged to define and support the rounded form of the side material when the blank is folded into container form.

37. A container blank comprising side material and cleats adapted to be folded into rounded form, said cleats being constructed and arranged to resist compression of the side material when the blank is folded into container form.

38. A container blank comprising side material and cleats adapted to be folded into rounded form, said cleats being constructed and arranged to define and support the rounded form of the side material when the blank is folded into container form, and flexible bindings adapted to encircle the folded blank and hold the parts in container form.

39. A container blank comprising side material and cleats adapted to be folded into rounded form, said cleats being constructed and arranged to define and support the rounded form of the side material when the blank is folded into container form; and flexible bindings secured to the side material adapted to hold the parts in container fornr when the blank is folded.

40. A container blank comprising side material and cleats adapted to be folded into rounded form, said cleats being constructed and arranged to define and support the rounded form of the side material when the blank is folded into container form; and flexible bindings secured to side material and cleats and adapted to hold the parts in container form when the blank is folded.

41. A method of making boxes whirh consists in assembling in the flat side nuitcrial adapted to be held into rounded form with cleats constructed and arranged to fold with the side material and support it against conipressive stress; in securing flexible binder-= to said parts; in folding the resultimr structure into box form; and in completing the continuit of the binders.

l2. A method of making boxes which c0nsists in assembling in the flat side material adapted to be folded into rounded form with cleats constructed and arranged to fold with the side material and support it against compressive stress; in securing the side material and cleats together and flexible binders thereto; in folding the resulting structure into box form; and in completing the continuity of the binders.

4:3. A method of making boxes which comprises assembling in the flat side material adapted to be folded into rounded form with cleats constructed and arranged to fold with and support the side material against compression; securing flexible binders to the structure to resist expansion thereof and retain the parts in. rounded form when the structure is folded; folding the structure into box form; and completing the continuity of the bindings.

ll. A method of making boxes which is characterized by assembling, in the tint, side material adapted to be bent into rounded l'orm with cleats constructed and arranged to fold with the side material and support it against compressive stress; applying flexible binders to said parts; folding the resulting structure into box form; and completing the continuity of the binders.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

MARY C. INWUOD Admim'stratrir of Richard G. lmuood, dc-

ceased.

It is hereh certified that in Reissue Letters Patent No. 15,060, ranted Jenner l, 1918, upon the application of Richard G. lnwnoil, rim-eased, lute of South Bend,

lndinnu, h er Y (i. lnwood, inlininistrittrix oi South llcnil Indiana for an improminent in Boxes and Methods of Marking the Same," an error appears in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 5, line 16, claim 41, for

the word held readfeldml; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 10th day of May, A. 1)., 1921.

[SEAL] T. E. ROBERTSON,

Commissioner of Patents. Cl. 2l7' l2. 

